Every October, searches for glitter makeup jump to two or three times their usual level, and for good reason. A little sparkle turns a simple costume into a full look, and it’s one of the easiest ways to look finished even if you only planned your outfit the night before.
Korean and Chinese glitter products are made for this. They’re water-based, liquid, or finely milled, so they go on smoothly and stay put without the craft-glitter mess. Below are five Halloween looks you can make with glitters we carry, from soft and pretty to dark and dramatic.
Before you start
Glitter basics
- Prime first. Glitter sticks best to a slightly tacky base. A thin layer of cream or liquid shadow works well as a primer.
- Do your eyes before your base. If any sparkle falls, you can sweep it away without ruining your foundation.
- Keep it out of your eyes. Apply liquid glitter to the lid and lower lash line, not the waterline.
- Remove it gently. Soak a cotton pad in an oil cleanser or micellar water and hold it on your lid for a few seconds before wiping. Don’t scrub.
Five Halloween glitter looks
Look 1
Mermaid / Siren
Cool-toned shimmer that makes it look like you just came out of the water.
- Pat GOGO TALES Sweet Diamond Highlighter in #401 Purple Planet across your lids and up toward your temples. Its purple, blue and silver sparkle was made for mermaid makeup.
- Swipe Colorgram Milk Bling Shadow in #02 Opal Flash across the center of the lid for a wet, iridescent look.
- Add the highlighter to your cheekbones, collarbones and the bridge of your nose to finish the scaled-shimmer effect.
Look 2
Fairy
Soft, bright, and sparkly. This one looks great in photos.
- Use Milk Bling Shadow in #07 Fairylike as a shimmer base across the whole lid.
- Dot Peach C Champagne Eye Glitter in #01 Pure White on the center of the lid and the inner corners. The mix of fine and chunky hexagonal glitter catches light from every angle.
- Scatter a few glitter dots along the tops of your cheeks like freckles.
- Finish with a glossy pink lip like CLIO Crystal Glam Tint in #03 Blushed Peach.
Look 3
Ice Queen / Angel
Silver, frosty and a little bit intimidating.
- Sweep Judydoll Starlight Highlighting Powder in #05 Silver Light over the lids. It builds from a soft sheen to a strong silver shine.
- Layer Milk Bling Shadow in #10 Final Pearl on the center of the lid.
- Define the eye with a thin line of Judydoll Ultra-Fine Liquid Eyeliner, then use Silver Light as a strong highlight on the cheekbones.
Look 4
Pretty Vampire
Dark lips, a sharp liner, and a little blood-red glitter. Great if you love the “dark douyin” makeup trend.
- Draw a sharp, lifted wing with KissMe Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner.
- Tap Champagne Eye Glitter in #03 Rose Coral under the outer corner of the eye like a glittery tear.
- Line and fill your lips with Peripera Ink the Velvet in #20 Classy Plum Rose. Blot, then apply a second layer for a deeper, “just-bitten” stain.
Look 5
Porcelain Doll
Big lashes, glittery under-eyes, and a jelly lip. Perfect for a doll, Lolita or cutesy costume.
- Curl your lashes and coat them with Judydoll 3D Curling Eyelash Iron Mascara, then add Flortte Miss Lucky False Eyelashes for extra doll-eye volume.
- Use Champagne Eye Glitter in #02 Valentine Pink along the lower lash line (aegyo-sal area) to make your eyes look bigger and brighter.
- Add a pinch of color to the cheeks and the tip of the nose, then finish with Judydoll Hearty Lip Tint in #02 Fig for a juicy, jelly-like lip.
Can’t choose?
Build a starter glitter kit
If you only get two things this Halloween, get a liquid shimmer (Milk Bling Shadow) and a glitter topper (Champagne Eye Glitter). Together they can make almost every look above, and they’re easy to wear for holiday parties once Halloween is over.
Glitter makeup FAQ
Is glitter makeup safe to wear near your eyes?
Use glitter made for cosmetics (never craft glitter), apply it to the lid rather than the waterline, and be careful not to let it get into your eyes. If any gets in, rinse gently with water.
How do I stop glitter fallout?
Apply your glitter over a tacky base, do your eye makeup before your foundation, and let liquid glitter dry fully before blinking a lot. Liquid formulas like Milk Bling Shadow and Champagne Eye Glitter have much less fallout than loose glitter.
What’s the easiest way to remove glitter?
Hold a cotton pad soaked in cleansing oil or micellar water on your lid for 10 to 15 seconds, then wipe gently. Tape can lift off any leftover specks from your cheeks.
Tag us in your Halloween looks! We’d love to see what you make.